Parable About the Kingdom – Parable of the Sower (JSS 2-Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note: Second Term, Week Eight)

Week 8: Parable About the Kingdom – Parable of the Sower

Sub-Topic: Lessons from the Parable of the Sower

Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Summarize the Parable of the Sower (cognitive).
2. Discuss the different types of soil and their meanings (affective).
3. Create a visual representation of the parable (psychomotor).

Entry Behaviour

Students should be familiar with the concept of farming and growth.

Instructional Materials

1. Bible (Matthew 13:1-23)
2. Visual aids of different types of soil
3. Art supplies

Reference Materials

Ugochukwu, M. A., & Ogundipe, J. E. (2018). Christian Religious Knowledge for Junior Secondary Schools 2. Lantern Books.
Adeoye, O. O. (2019). Christianity and Its Teachings for Junior Secondary Schools. Evans Publishers.

Content

Introduction to the Parable of the Sower

The Parable of the Sower is one of Jesus’ most famous parables, recorded in Matthew 13:1-9, Mark 4:1-9, and Luke 8:4-8. It is a story about a farmer who sows seeds, and these seeds fall on different types of soil, producing different results. Jesus used this parable to teach about how people respond to God’s word, which is often compared to a seed.

The Story of the Sower

In the parable, a farmer goes out to sow seeds in his field. The seeds fall on four different types of ground:

1. The Path:
   Some seeds fall on the path, and birds come and eat them up before they can grow.
2. Rocky Ground:
   Some seeds fall on rocky ground, where there isn’t much soil. They sprout quickly but wither in the sun because their roots are shallow.
3. Thorny Ground:
   Some seeds fall among thorns, and the thorns grow up and choke the plants, preventing them from bearing fruit.
4. Good Soil:
   Some seeds fall on good soil and produce a crop, yielding 30, 60, or even 100 times what was sown.

Meaning of the Parable of the Sower

In this parable, Jesus compares the seeds to the word of God and the different types of soil to people’s hearts. The way people respond to God’s message depends on the condition of their hearts.

1. The Path (Hardened Heart):
   The seeds that fall on the path represent people who hear God’s word but do not understand it. Their hearts are hardened, and the message is snatched away by the devil, symbolized by the birds.
2. The Rocky Ground (Shallow Heart):
   The seeds on rocky ground represent those who receive God’s word with joy at first, but because they have shallow faith, they fall away when they face troubles or persecution. Their commitment to God is not deep enough to endure hardships.
3. The Thorny Ground (Distracted Heart):
   The seeds among the thorns symbolize people who hear God’s word, but the worries of life, love for money, and desire for other things choke out their faith. These distractions prevent them from growing spiritually and bearing fruit.
4. The Good Soil (Receptive Heart):
   The seeds that fall on good soil represent those who hear the word of God, understand it, and accept it. These people grow in their faith and produce spiritual fruit, such as good works and a Christ-like character. Their lives have a positive impact on others.

Lessons from the Parable of the Sower

1. God’s Word is for Everyone:
   Like the farmer who spreads seeds generously, God’s word is available to all. However, not everyone responds to it in the same way. This parable shows that the problem is not with the seed (God’s message), but with the condition of the soil (our hearts).
2. The Importance of Having a Receptive Heart:
   To grow spiritually and bear fruit, we need to be like the good soil—open and ready to receive God’s word. A hardened, shallow, or distracted heart prevents spiritual growth. We must guard our hearts against distractions, worries, and temptations that can block our faith.
3. Perseverance in Faith:
   The seeds on rocky ground illustrate that it’s not enough to accept God’s word with initial enthusiasm. True faith requires deep roots—perseverance and commitment even in difficult times. Challenges and trials will come, but a strong faith can withstand them.
4. The Dangers of Worldly Distractions:
   The thorny ground represents the dangers of letting worldly concerns—such as the pursuit of wealth or pleasures—choke out spiritual growth. Jesus warns us to stay focused on God’s kingdom and not allow material things to dominate our lives.
5. Spiritual Fruitfulness is the Goal:
   The parable teaches that the goal of a Christian life is to bear fruit. This means living a life that reflects God’s love, producing good works, and sharing the gospel with others. Fruitfulness is evidence of a mature, growing faith.
6. Reflection on Our Own Hearts:
   This parable challenges us to reflect on our own spiritual condition. Are we like the good soil, ready to receive and grow in God’s word? Or are we like the rocky or thorny soil, easily distracted or uncommitted? It’s important to evaluate the state of our hearts and make sure we are receptive to God’s teachings.

Step 1: Introduction

Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)

Others removed.